The preserve is on both banks of the Green River in Hart County. The Green River is the most important river in Kentucky for the conservation of rare native mussels and fish. It hosts 109 fish species and nearly 60 mussel species.

The area is also important for an endangered bat species found on the preserve and as a breeding and migratory habitat for songbirds.

The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission was created in 1976 to protect the best remaining natural areas of Kentucky.